U.S. patent number 8,931,192 [Application Number 13/345,416] was granted by the patent office on 2015-01-13 for art display system and method.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Museum Light Co.. The grantee listed for this patent is Brian Acworth, Greg Herth. Invention is credited to Brian Acworth, Greg Herth.
United States Patent |
8,931,192 |
Acworth , et al. |
January 13, 2015 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Art Display System and Method
Abstract
A system for displaying an illuminated image which includes (1)
a frame kit with interchangeable components and an assembled
electric cord set and (2) a flexible sheet imprinted with an image
which combine to make a unit for display of the image as on a table
lamp or hanging lamp. The printed sheet is art paper or other media
formed into a closed shape defined by the shape of the frame rims
to which it is attached at both ends. One of the frame rims
includes provision for the attachment of legs which connect the rim
to a central hub, which provides support for a lamp holder. A slot
is provided in the central hub so the complete electric cord set
with the lamp holder attached can be inserted without disassembly.
A website is set up whereby institutions or businesses can upload
selected images with instructions for formatting for printing on
the flexible sheet.
Inventors: |
Acworth; Brian (Centerport,
NY), Herth; Greg (Oakdale, NY) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Acworth; Brian
Herth; Greg |
Centerport
Oakdale |
NY
NY |
US
US |
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|
Assignee: |
Museum Light Co. (Huntington,
NY)
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Family
ID: |
46829235 |
Appl.
No.: |
13/345,416 |
Filed: |
January 6, 2012 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20120239521 A1 |
Sep 20, 2012 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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12802486 |
Jun 7, 2010 |
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12653126 |
Dec 8, 2009 |
8291628 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
40/554; D26/93;
40/463; 362/351; 362/362 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F21V
1/00 (20130101); F21V 1/04 (20130101); F21S
6/004 (20130101); F21V 17/007 (20130101); F21V
1/06 (20130101); F21S 6/005 (20130101); G09F
13/0413 (20130101); F21S 8/06 (20130101); F21V
1/22 (20130101); F21S 6/002 (20130101); F21V
1/02 (20130101); G09F 13/04 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G09F
13/00 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;705/26.1-27.2
;40/463,554 ;362/351,362 ;D26/93 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2008101089 |
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Mar 2009 |
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AU |
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102006033944 |
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Jan 2008 |
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DE |
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2295683 |
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Jul 1976 |
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FR |
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2295683 |
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Jul 1976 |
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FR |
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10198565.3 |
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Mar 2011 |
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GB |
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2004296168 |
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Oct 2004 |
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JP |
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2007280629 |
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Oct 2007 |
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JP |
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2000268611 |
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Sep 2009 |
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JP |
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WO83/01826 |
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May 1983 |
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WO |
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WO92/04578 |
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Mar 1992 |
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WO |
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Other References
SESR dated Aug. 22, 2012 issued in related EP Application No.
EP10194003 filed Dec. 7, 2010, 7 pages. cited by applicant .
United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office, International Search
Report under Section 17, Application No. GB1002334.9, May 19, 2010.
1 page. cited by applicant .
Orange County Industrial Plastics (OCIP), Plastic Industry
Innovations & Solutions, Styrene Sheet, website, (c)2000, 1
page. cited by applicant .
Hahnemule, FineArt InkJet Media, 2009, 2 pages, hahnemuehle.com.
cited by applicant .
Lamps Plus, photograph of lamp, 1 page, 2009. cited by applicant
.
Michelangelo lamp, photograph of lamp,1 page,2009. cited by
applicant .
Happy Trail, Roy Rogers & Trigger ,lampshade photograph,1 page,
2009. cited by applicant .
Kokopelli Hand Painted Lampshade,www.aanativearts.com, 2 pages,
2009. cited by applicant .
The Lampshade Shop, internet catalog excerpt, 1 page, 2009. cited
by applicant .
HP Researchers Show Prototype of Printed Plastic,Color Display,
www.hpl.hp.com, 2 pages, 2004. cited by applicant .
How Can You Digitize All Your Old Maps, Architectural Drawings,
Sketches or Other Large Artwork,www.cameras-scanners-flaar.org, 3
pages, 2009. cited by applicant .
HP Graphic Arts, HP Designjet L2500 Printer series--Key benefits,
www.hp.com, 1 page, 2009. cited by applicant.
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Primary Examiner: Misiaszek; Michael
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Dentons US LLP
Parent Case Text
RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
12/802,486, filed on Jun. 7, 2010 now abandoned, which application
is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 12/653,126, filed
Dec. 8, 2009 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,291,628. Applicant claims priority
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.120 therefrom. Applicant also claims priority
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119 from United Kingdom application number
1002334.9, filed Feb. 11, 2010, United Kingdom application number
1019865.3, filed Nov. 24, 2010 and European application number
EP10194003 filed on Dec. 7, 2010.
Claims
We claim:
1. An illuminated display unit comprising: a translucent image
sheet having respective top and bottom peripheral edges and a pair
of opposite side edges; wherein the pair of opposite side edges are
capable of being joined together to form a cylinder; a first frame
for retaining the top or bottom peripheral edge of the translucent
image sheet; a second frame for retaining the top or bottom
peripheral edge of the translucent image sheet; at least one
fastener for securing the translucent image sheet to each of the
first and second frames, wherein the top and bottom peripheral
edges of the translucent image sheet are fastened into place using
multiple resilient inserts which lock into the first and second
frames and impinge on the top and bottom peripheral edges of the
translucent image sheet without the use of adhesives or any other
attachment device damaging the image sheet; wherein the translucent
image sheet is releasable from the first and second frames by
releasing the at least one fastener from the first and second
frames; and a light source attached to at least one of the first
and second frames for illuminating the translucent image sheet from
within the cylindrical shape of the image sheet.
2. The illuminated display unit of claim 1, wherein the first frame
and the second frame each form a closed loop.
3. The illuminated display unit of claim 2, wherein the first frame
and the second frame each contain an engagement surface for
receiving the top or bottom edge of the translucent image
sheet.
4. The illuminated display of claim 3, wherein the engagement
surface is a slot.
5. The illuminated display of claim 3, wherein the engagement
surface is a shoulder edge.
6. The illuminated display unit as in claim 1 wherein the light
source comprises a pre-wired electrical cord set comprising at
least one of the following: (a) a lamp socket with a nipple, a nut,
an attached pulley line cord, and a ceiling canopy unit or track
attachment device at the distal end, (b) a lamp socket with a
nipple, a nut, an attached line cord, a lamp control and a wall
plug at the distal end, (c) a lamp socket with a nipple, a tube
internally threaded at both ends, a second nipple, a nut, an
attached line cord, a lamp control and a wall plug at the distal
end, and (d) a lamp socket with a nipple, a tube internally
threaded at both ends, a second nipple, a lamp support base, a nut,
an attached line cord, a lamp control and a wall plug at the distal
end.
7. The illuminated display unit of in claim 1 wherein the first
frame or the second frame is engageable with a plurality of
radially extending leg members; wherein each leg member has a
coupling for separately engaging the leg member to the first frame
or the second frame, and wherein each leg member also has a
coupling for supporting engaging the leg member to a lamp socket
support hub.
8. The illuminated display frame of claim 7, wherein the first
frame or the second frame serves as a support frame for the
unit.
9. The illuminated display frame of claim 8, wherein the plurality
of radially extending leg members are capable of being connected to
the first frame or the second frame in an upward or downward
position relative to the plane of the first frame or the second
frame.
10. The illuminated display of claim 7 wherein the lamp socket
support hub has a hole and a radial slot, and wherein the hole has
a diameter large enough to accept a nipple attached to a lamp
socket, and the radial slot has a width smaller than the hole
diameter but large enough to allow access to the hole for the
electric wire of a cord set, thereby permitting insertion of the
wire of an electric cord set into the socket support hub without
disassembling the cord set, and wherein the hole permits the lamp
socket to be securely attached to the socket support hub either way
up relative to the plane of the lamp socket support hub.
11. The illuminated display unit of claim 8 wherein the plurality
of radially extending leg members are aligned in the vertical plane
of the support frame thereby also forming supports for table-top
use of the display unit.
12. The illuminated display unit of claim 11 further comprising a
frame to support the illuminated display unit on a pedestal tube
for table-top use.
13. The illuminated display unit of claim 2 wherein the shape of
the circumference of the closed loops of the first frame and the
second frame is composed of curved sections.
14. The illuminated display unit of claim 2 wherein the shape of
the circumference of the closed loops of the first and second
frames is composed of straight sections.
15. The illuminated display unit of claim 1 in which the shape of
the circumference of the loops of the first frame and the second
frame is composed of both curved and straight sections.
16. The illuminated display unit of claim 1 wherein the translucent
image sheet is paper.
17. The illuminated display unit of claim 1 wherein the translucent
image sheet is plastic.
18. The illuminated display unit of claim 1 wherein translucent
image sheet is fabric.
19. The illuminated display unit of claim 1 wherein the translucent
image sheet is laminated.
20. The illuminated display unit of claim 3 wherein the at least
one fastener for securing the translucent image sheet is removable
and is captured within a cutout in a side surface of the first or
second frames.
21. The illuminated display unit of claim wherein said resilient
inserts comprise: a base; a projection; and a plurality of wing
members extending up from the base; wherein the wing members
interlock with the frames: and wherein the projection compresses
against the image sheet after insertion and holds the translucent
image sheet in place within the respective frame.
22. The illuminated display unit of claim 11 wherein the plurality
of radially extending leg members are V-shaped in the vertical
plane of the support frame.
23. The illuminated display unit of claim 1 wherein the illuminated
display unit is provided in a fully assembled condition or a ready
to assemble condition with instructions to assemble.
24. An illuminated display unit comprising: a translucent image
sheet having respective top and bottom peripheral edges and a pair
of opposite side edges; wherein the pair of opposite side edges are
capable of being joined together to form the translucent image
sheet into a cylindrical lampshade; a first frame for retaining the
top or bottom of the cylindrical lampshade using resilient inserts
that lock into the first frame and impinges on the cylindrical
lampshade; a second frame for retaining the top or bottom of the
cylindrical lampshade using resilient inserts that lock into the
second frame and impinges on the cylindrical lampshade; the
cylindrical lampshade being held securely without the use of
adhesives or any other attachment device damaging the image sheet;
wherein the cylindrical lampshade is releasable from the first and
second frames by releasing the resilient inserts from the first and
second frames; and a light source attached to at least one of the
first and second frames for illuminating the translucent image
sheet from within the cylindrical lamp shade.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method displaying a selected
image in an illuminated display, using components sold fully
assembled, partly assembled or ready to assemble in alternate
configurations, all with easily exchangeable images.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
An example of the utilization of this invention is the museum shop
market and this application will use production for this market as
an example. It should be noted that the utilization of this
invention is not intended to be limited to production for museum
shops. It can be produced for a wide variety of institutions and
businesses for many purposes using production methods, appropriate
to those markets.
Museum gift shops often have items for purchase related to their
purpose. With the advent of wide format high resolution digital
printers and the availability of images on digital media, low
volume, high quality reproductions of images are feasible, custom
produced for each museum shop to reflect the museum's unique
collection.
Visitors to museums are varied. Some arrive by car and would
therefore be able to purchase a bulky item; place it in a car, and
take it home. Others arrive by public transportation such as a
subway or bus, and therefore their carrying capability is limited.
Still others may visit a museum while on a distant trip; but they
must return by air thereby limiting the bulk and fragility of their
purchase at a museum shop. Purchasing compactly packaged components
consisting of a customer selected electric/frame kit and a customer
selected printed image sheet packaged separately but sold in
combination with easy to follow instructions for home assembly
requiring no tools or special skills solves this problem. For those
who would balk at purchasing anything that would require even the
minimum of assembly involvement, purchase of an assembled unit
delivered at point of purchase or for shipment to their home,
assembled and shipped by the museum, or by the company in
accordance with a museum order, could also be accommodated by the
museum shop.
A second factor favoring a compactly packaged kit is the fact that
storage space for inventory is at a premium at a typical museum
shop. This is addressed by compactly packaged kits that can be
flexibly combined to fulfill a customer order.
A third factor favoring a frame kit is that same frame components
can be assembled in alternate configurations depending on which
model of the unit the customer prefers. In addition, the original
configuration selection can easily be exchanged subsequently for
another configuration at the option of the customer.
The prior art reveals many types of illuminated display units. Some
are for the display of two dimensional art reproductions. A
sampling of such patents follows. For example, the lamp shade of
Lewis, U.S. Pat. No. 2,660,317, has a fenestration on its surface
and a recessed plate for accepting an art object in sheet form to
be illuminated indirectly by reflected light from the lamp.
Buzick's picture display panel for lamp shades (U.S. Pat. No.
2,177,204) is primarily for display of black and white pictures
printed on translucent paper by transmitted light. Morgen's light
box lampshade (U.S. Pat. No. 6,821,002) provided uniform
illumination on its surface for viewing photographic slides placed
on its surface. The U.S. Pat. No. of Swanson (7,347,593) relates to
a Giclee printed lamp shade that is capable of displaying a high
resolution art reproduction made from a digital image file using a
process for adhering an image printed on canvas to the surface of
an existing lamp shade, where the printing in Swanson occurs before
the canvas is adhesively secured to the base lamp shade.
Many other patents in the prior art deal with the bulkiness of
lampshades. They relate to knockdown, collapsible, or foldable lamp
shades which can be shipped or stored compactly and then assembled
and used on a lamp. Four such U.S. patents and one US patent
application are identified here as a sampling of the field. They
are U.S. Pat. No. 3,742,210 of Chapman, U.S. Pat. No. 3,787,676 of
Korach, U.S. Pat. No. 4,075,684 of Witz, U.S. Pat. No. 4,354,222 of
Gall, and U.S. patent application US 2006/0239012 of Bin. None of
these relate directly to the display of images.
Indeed, while the prior art teaches several approaches to the
design of illuminated display units for displayirig images or
storing lampshade frames more compactly, none describe an efficient
method to display a selected image in the home or elsewhere on an
illuminated display unit that is comprised of compactly packaged
interchangeable components.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An example of this invention is to create an efficient business
model that serves the needs of museum gift shops and their
customers so that exhibits visitors have seen in the museum may be
enjoyed in the home after being appreciated in the museum. Many
other markets besides museum gift shops can be served. Along the
way, a viable manufacturing business is also created.
Another object is to provide illuminated image display units
consisting of a set of interchangeable components capable of
constructing illuminated image display units for a plurality of
presentation modes, such as free standing, pedestal mounted,
ceiling suspended and the like.
Other objects which become apparent from the following description
of the present invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Museums and particularly museum gift shops have been identified as
one potential market for the utilization of this invention and
display by a purchaser in a home is anticipated throughout this
narrative. But this should be interpreted only as an example and
should not be regarded as limiting the scope of the usefulness of
the invention. Many institutions and/or businesses could be a
potential market and the display unit could be located anywhere for
any purpose.
The vehicle for the system and method is an illuminated display
unit (IDU) for displaying two dimensional high quality
reproductions of images. One aspect of the concept for the IDU of
this invention that differs from that of an ordinary lamp and
lampshade is that it facilitates the display of special images,
which is an integral part of the lighting unit. In addition, low
manufacturing cost, compact packaging in kit form, and ease of
customer assembly without tools and without special skills are the
hallmarks of the IDU. Although the manufactured frame parts are
standardized in a range of circumferences to minimize cost, the
technique for creating the image sheets, which are illuminated,
permits a wide range of image heights to be accommodated by each
standardized circumference frame. The IDU component parts can be
assembled as a table-top, pedestal or suspended unit, or in other
configurations to display images. The same frame elements can be
used to illuminate and display a variety of image reproductions
just by changing one image for another. Since the electrical parts
are provided as a completely pre-wired electrical cord set and a
unique slot is provided to insert the wire of the cord set into the
frame, no electrical experience is required for customer assembly
of the IDU.
Basically, in the preferred embodiment, the lamp socket is a
standard AC powered lamp socket, which is secured to the hub of the
support frame part with a hand-tightened nut. The image sheet is
first formed into a cylinder, then one end of the cylinder is
inserted into a slot and secured in a support frame member. The
other end is then inserted and secured in a slot in second plain
frame member. The frame members then form the cylinder into a
conforming closed shape. For example, for table-top use the support
frame is at the bottom and the plain frame is at the top of the
image sheet. For suspended use this is reversed. For table-top use
with a pedestal, a tube and a second support frame to serve as a
base (or alternately a modified base) is added. In an alternate
embodiment, the light source may be a light emitting diode (LED)
light source or other light source, such as a compact florescent
light source, and may be powered by a DC power source, such as, for
example, a battery.
The production technique to be utilized for the museum shop market,
of printing the image sheet by high resolution wide-format ink jet
printers is well known, but while the material of the image sheet
may be a flexible translucent sheet of various materials, such as
styrene or laminated fabric, for example, in a preferred embodiment
in this use the material of the image sheet is fine art grade
paper, coated for optimal acceptance of inkjet printing, custom
manufactured for the IDU application to insure heat resistance,
archival type ink acceptance, a translucent appearance, and
rigidity once formed into a closed shape which may be straight
sided, such as a triangle, a continuous curve, such as a circle, or
a combination of straight and curved sections, such as an expanded
circle, such shape determined by the frame members to which it is
secured at both ends. While any printer capable of printing a high
quality image upon a flexible media may be used, a preferred
embodiment for this market is a roll-fed wide format ink jet
printer, such as printers made by companies as Epson, Canon,
Hewlett Packard, Xerox and others which print on rolls having
widths from 24 inches to 72 inches. For example, the 10-color 24
inch wide Epson 7900 is one such printer that can be used to print
high quality image sheets yielding cylindrical shapes 23 11/16 inch
in circumference, with 5/16 inch overlap.
The IDU of this invention will be described as having an elliptical
crossectional cylindrical shape as the display surface of the image
sheet. For instance, a 24 inch wide image sheet formed into an
ellipse by the appropriate size frames would have a major oval
diameter of approximately 9.2 inches and a minor diameter of about
5.7 inches. Using this type of printing method the circumference of
the IDU display is fixed by the width of the sheet being printed,
but the height of the image sheet can be easily varied since this
is determined by how the rolled sheet is programmed to be printed
and cut apart after printing for use in the IDU. In this way,
actual image sheet heights can practically be infinitely
varied.
The business model for this invention presupposes that a "company"
is formed to produce image sheets and frame/electrical kits for
IDU's that would interface with, for example, a variety of museum
shops around the country or around the world. The company has a
computer system which will communicate between the company and its
customers.
The computer system has data processing systems by which the
company and respective gift shops communicate via internet or a
browser controlling communications over a network via a server,
including images plus text required, formatted for printing by the
company and includes a database for storing images for printing
image sheets when ordered. All communications can be handled via
internet for receiving and processing orders. Products can be
shipped by common carrier. For example, when a museum gift shop
gears up for support of a special museum exhibit, images related to
the exhibit can be produced. For the initial order for a new image
the company must first create an Image Art Unit (IAU) file with the
exact edited digital representation of the image and any text
required to be printed on an image sheet, plus cutting
instructions. This is what will drive the wide format printer. The
formatting for the IAU using the source digital image file can
either be done by the company (with instructions from the museum),
or it can be performed by museum personnel using the company's
website and editing software. The museum also provides text for a
description of the image information about the museum and this is
printed separately by the company and included with the packaged
image that is a component of the IDU, as are instructions for
customer assembly.
The company uses pricing software which prices each image sheet
corresponding to each desired IAU. Part of the pricing algorithm is
based on the height and width of the particular resulting image
sheet reflecting the actual substrate material and printing cost.
Another pricing aspect may be the ink cost for a particular image
sheet reflecting the actual digital color and color density
information on each pixel of the image reproduction. Other aspects
of pricing may include printer set-up charges and/or amortized
formatting charges related to volume ordered. Once the pricing is
set for the images, this is relayed to the museum gift shop. Based
on demand estimates an initial order is placed by the museum for
both the various image sheets as well as for IDU frame/electrical
kits selected by the museum. The company will then schedule
production and fulfill the initial order for image sheets and IDU
frame/electric kits for the museum shop. Subsequent orders for IDU
frame/electric kits, and/or image sheets will be fulfilled as
required.
At the museum gift shop, customer order fulfillment can be
accomplished in a number of ways. Customers may purchase
pre-packaged image sheets and IDU frame/electric component kits
ready for assembly, pay for them and leave. Or a customer may
request an assembled IDU. This can be handled by on-demand assembly
at the museum shop or from stock pre-assembled by the museum, or
the museums shop can assemble the unit and ship it to the address
given by the customer. Assembly for stock can be performed at the
museum shop during slack periods. In addition the museum can place
an order with the company for a specific unit to be assembled by
the company and shipped directly to the customer.
In an alternate embodiment, a packaged unit could be partly
assembled and include an assembled support frame with 3 or 4 or
more legs, a lamp socket support hub and an electric cord set, a
plain frame and an image sheet packaged ready to assemble as an
illuminated display unit (IDU) of this invention. The packaging is
less compact and less flexible than the previous kits embodiments
but only the assembly of the image sheet to the frames by the
customer is required.
In another alternate embodiment, the unit could be packaged by the
company fully assembled and supplied to the museum with no assembly
required by the customer.
When the IDU is sold as a component kit the support frame is
assembled by inserting one end of each leg into a mating feature
incorporated into one of the frame loops and the other end into a
similar mating feature on a hub which serves as the lamp socket
support disc in the center. The legs are "V-shaped". The V-shaped
legs may be symmetrical or, in a further embodiment may be
asymmetrical. The "V" shape of the legs is preferably asymmetric to
place the vertex closer to the, outside of the frame rim than to
the lamp support hub at the center, which provides more clearance
from the surface of the light bulb and better stability for the
support of the tabletop model. Marks are provided on the rims of
the frames to correctly align the flexible image sheet with the
frames.
The configurations for the various IDU models are as follows:
*For the tabletop model--
Bottom: Assembled support frame slot faces up, legs face down
Top: Plain frame slot faces down
*For the hanging model--
Bottom: Plain frame slot faces up
Top: Assembled support frame slot faces down, legs face down
*For the pedestal model--
Bottom: Assembled support frame slot faces up, legs face up
Top: Plain frame slot faces down
Base: Support frame slot faces down, legs face up
Note that these alternate configurations from one kit are only
possible if the support frame is not made in one piece but in
separate pieces for customer assembly as described herein.
Although the mating features are illustrated in one embodiment as a
male and a female dovetail joint, other molded simple sliding
and/or snap fit joining features, as are commonly known for joining
pieces of an item can be used instead.
In one design, the tapered dovetail slots on the legs have the open
end in the same direction at the end of each leg. The matching
tapered dovetail lugs on the support frame and lamp socket support
hub face alternately in opposite directions around their
circumferences. Assembly is achieved by sliding the leg slots onto
the hub and frame lugs. The legs may be installed either way up (by
turning the legs over and moving each leg around the circumference
of the support frame to the next set of rim lugs), depending on
which leg position, up or down, is required for the model being
assembled. There may be two sets of lugs on the lamp socket support
disc at two different radii and/or there may be projections
incorporated into the rim to compensate for different radii, so
that a range of support rims can be accommodated by the same leg
length.
In an alternate embodiment, the opposite distal ends of legs
connecting the rim frame to the central lamp socket support hub
have attachment extensions which mate with slots or holes
associated with the support frame at one end and with the central
lamp socket support hub at the other end. The extensions are
inserted into and through slots or holes in the support frame and
in the lamp socket support hub. As these extensions are pushed in
toward the step region, molded cantilevered tongues are compressed
until they again snap out locking extensions in the slots or holes.
The cantilevered tip of each tongue is flexible, so that it
compresses as the tongue is inserted into the leg attachment
slot/hole and decompresses outward when through the slot/hole,
thereby locking the legs in place in the respective slot/holes in
the support frame at one end and in the lamp support hub at the
other end.
With either design the legs may be detached from the rim and hub
and reassembled in a different configuration if a different model
IDU is desired.
In the preferred alternate embodiment, an illuminated display unit
(i.e. IDU) is comprised of two component kits (1) a multi-part
frame kit and electric cord set for assembly without the use of
tools, and (2) an image sheet imprinted on fine art paper media
such as the Toscana.TM. product provided by Hahnemuhle which is
specially coated on one side for high quality inkjet printing.
The image sheet is unrolled and formed into a cylindrical shape
then captured in a conforming shape within a circumferentially
extending slot in the top and bottom frame members and locked in
place using multiple resilient clips (rim inserts) which impinge on
the top and bottom edges of the image sheet. Depending on how the
frame parts are assembled the IDU can be configured as a tabletop,
pedestal or as a pendant model. The clips can easily be taken out
to permit the image sheet to be removed and exchanged at will since
the image sheet is not bonded permanently to the frame. Changing
the IDU configuration from table top, pedestal, or pendant to
another configuration is also made easy simply by removing the
image sheet, re-configuring the frame by disassembling and
reassembling the component parts, then re-inserting and re-securing
the image sheet.
The four steps that may be used to assemble either a tabletop or a
pendant model of this preferred alternate embodiment are presented
here as they also summarize the various parts of the IDU:
Table Top Model
1. Image Sheet Preparation--Remove the image sheet from box A.
Let it unroll and it will form a cylindrical shape. Put it down on
a table with the ends of the roll facing up.
Remove the cover from the two sided adhesive tape that is located
at one end of the image sheet.
Position that end of the image sheet above the other end so the
full length of its edge is aligned between the two lines printed on
the other end.
Press the two ends together and the image sheet is now formed into
a continuous cylinder. Turn the cylinder over and place it
horizontally on a table, then press down along the overlap to
ensure a strong bond the full length of the overlap.
Note: You may want to practice this before removing the cover from
the tape. Try positioning the edge of the sheet between the lines,
starting at one end.
2. Frame Preparation--Remove the three legs, the triangular hub,
and the two frames from
box B. Leave the other items in the box.
Place the hub (either side up) on a table and push the ends of the
long arms of the three legs (marked O) into the slots in the hub
(marked O).
Place the frame with slots for the legs on a table with the side of
the frame that does not have a perimeter slot facing up and push
the short ends of the three legs (marked X) into the three slots in
the frame (marked X).
Note: If you want to disconnect a leg after it is installed just
tilt it and it will come out of the slot.
3. Install Electric Parts--Remove the electric assembly from box B.
Only the frame inserts now remain in the box.
Pull the nut along the electric cord a short distance away from the
bulb socket.
Slide the electric cord wire through the slot in the triangular hub
so that the bulb socket is facing in the opposite direction to the
legs.
Push the threaded nipple on the bulb socket through the center hole
in the hub.
Slide the nut along the electrical cord up to the nipple on the
bulb socket. Tighten the nut by hand until the bulb socket is
secure in the hub.
4. Final Assembly--Remove eight frame inserts from box B. There is
an extra frame insert in the box in case one is mislaid.
Position the image sheet cylinder vertically on a table so the
picture faces up.
Position the vertical mark on the outside face of the plain frame
so it aligns with the overlapping vertical edge of the image sheet
cylinder.
Push the frame downward on to the image sheet cylinder so the
cylinder engages the slot in the frame. Use the lugs on the inside
of the frame to help guide the image sheet cylinder into position.
The frame must be pushed all the way down so that the cylinder edge
goes to the bottom of the slot all the way around.
Reach inside the cylinder and push four of the frame inserts into
the four horizontal slots in the frame until they are all the way
in and grip the edge of the image sheet securely. You can do this
most easily by first inserting one end, then use two thumbs to both
compress the insert and push the other end into the slot.
Turn the image sheet cylinder and rim upside down so the plain
frame is now on the bottom.
With the legs facing in an upward position the frame which has
three legs attached above the image sheet cylinder so that the
vertical mark on the outside face of the frame aligns with the
overlapping vertical edge of the image sheet cylinder.
Push the frame downward on to the image sheet cylinder and repeat
the above installation steps for the cylinder.
Turn the unit right side up, screw in a 75 watt incandescent bulb,
plug in the electric cord and the MuseumLight.TM. is
operational.
Note: To release the MuseumLight.TM. image sheet cylinder from the
frame, for instance to exchange one image sheet for another or to
realign the existing image if necessary, just insert a screwdriver
(or similar) in the space at either end of the insert between the
insert and the rim and pry the insert out of the rim slot. When the
insert are removed the image sheet cylinder will be released from
the rim.
Pendant Model
1. Image Sheet Preparation--Remove the image sheet from box A.
Let it unroll and it will form a cylindrical shape. Put it on a
table with the ends of the roll facing up.
Remove the cover from the two sided adhesive tape that is located
at one end of the image sheet.
Position that end of the image sheet above the other end so the
full length of its edge is aligned between the two lines printed on
the other end.
Press the two ends together and the image sheet is now formed into
a continuous cylinder. Turn the cylinder over and place it
horizontally on a table, then press down along the overlap to
ensure a strong bond the full length of the overlap.
Note: You may want to practice this before removing the cover from
the tape. Try positioning the edge of the sheet between the lines,
starting at one end.
2. Frame Preparation--Remove the three legs, the triangular hub,
and the two frames from box B. Leave the other items in the
box.
Place the hub (either side up) on a table and push the ends of the
long arms of the three legs (marked O) into the slots in the hub
(marked O).
Place the frame with slots for the legs on a table with the side of
the frame that has a perimeter slot facing up and push the short
ends of the three legs (marked X) into the three slots in the frame
(marked X).
Note: If you want to disconnect a leg after it is installed just
tilt it and it will come out of the slot.
3. Install Electric Parts--Remove the electric assembly from box B.
Only the rim inserts and canopy kit now remain in the box.
Pull the nut along the electric cord a short distance away from the
bulb socket. Slide the electric cord wire through the slot in the
triangular hub so that the bulb socket is facing in the same
direction as the legs.
Push the threaded nipple on the bulb socket through the center hole
in the hub.
Slide the nut alone the electrical cord up to the nipple on the
bulb socket. Tighten the nut by hand until the bulb socket is
secure in the hub.
4. Final Assembly--Remove eight frame inserts from the frame and
electric parts box B. There is an extra frame insert in the box in
case one is mislaid. Only the canopy kit now remains in the
box.
Position the image sheet cylinder vertically on a table so the
picture faces down.
Position the vertical mark on the outside face of the plain frame
so it aligns with the overlapping vertical edge of the image sheet
cylinder.
Push the frame downward on to the image sheet cylinder so the
cylinder engages the slot in the frame. Use the lugs on the inside
of the frame to help guide the media cylinder into position. The
frame must be pushed all the way down so that the cylinder edge
goes to the bottom of the slot all the way around.
Reach inside the cylinder and push four of the frame inserts into
the four horizontal slots in the frame until they are all the way
in and grip the edge of the image sheet securely. You can do this
most easily by first inserting one end, then use two thumbs to both
compress the insert and push the other end into the slot.
Turn the image sheet cylinder and rim upside down so the plain
frame is now on the bottom.
With the legs facing in a downward position the frame which has the
legs attached above the image sheet cylinder so that the vertical
mark on the outside face of the rim aligns with the overlapping
vertical edge of the image sheet cylinder.
Push the frame downward on to the image sheet cylinder and repeat
the above installation steps for they cylinder.
Connect to power supply in ceiling. Use the canopy parts that are
in box B, if required. Note that this step must be done by a
qualified electrician.
Screw in a 75 watt incandescent bulb, and your MuseumLight.TM. is
operational.
Note: To release the MuseumLight.TM. image sheet cylinder from the
frame, for instance to exchange one art media sheet for another or
to realign the existing image if necessary, just insert a
screwdriver (or similar) in the space at either end of the insert
between the insert and the frame and pry the insert out of the
frame slot. When the inserts are removed the image sheet cylinder
will be released from the frame.
Besides the differences in the IDU from the previous embodiments,
some changes have been made to streamline a new IDU set-up. Instead
of providing software to a museum for formatting a new IDU, the
formatting software is now an integral part of the company website
so that the museum can do this itself and review the result
immediately.
In general, the present invention is an illuminated display unit
including:
A) A support frame having at least one surface along the inside of
the frame;
B) An image sheet placed directly against at least one surface of
the frame with an edge thereof abutting against at least one
surface; and
C) A fastener fastening the image sheet against at least one
surface to retain the image sheet secure in the frame, whereby the
image sheet is held securely for display without the use of
adhesives or any attachment device potentially damaging the image
sheet and
D) Whereby the image sheet is releasable by releasing the fastener
from the frame and allowing withdrawal of the fastener from the
frame, thereby releasing the image sheet free of any damage.
Optionally, the frame can have slots formed in the loop member
which engage with the fastener, so that the image sheet is held
flat directly against the at least one surface of the frame with an
edge thereof abutting against at least one surface. The fastener
within the slot pressing the image sheet against at least one
surface to retain the image sheet securely in the frame without the
use of adhesives or any attachment device damaging the image sheet.
The image sheet is releasable by releasing the resilient fastener
from the loop frame member and allowing withdrawal of the fastener
from the slot, thereby releasing the image sheet free of any
damage.
In a preferred embodiment, the insert contained within the slot has
a center leg pressing the image sheet against the surface to retain
the image sheet secure in the frame. This preferred insert has
separate resilient end legs on opposite sides of the center leg
with a tooth on outer edges thereof to engage end edges of the
slot, to retain the insert within the slot, with the center leg
engaging with the image sheet, holding the image sheet in place on
the support frame, so that the image sheet is held securely. The
image sheet is releasable by pressing the end legs of the insert
inwardly toward the center leg, to disengage the insert from the
frame member and allow withdrawal of the insert from the slot,
thereby releasing the image sheet free of any damage.
Optionally, the support frame is an extended member which is
provided with multiple, spaced leg members.
Furthermore, the support frame includes a hub for supporting a
lighting fixture.
The support frame has an annular shape rim for securing an image
sheet which extends from the support frame, with the lighting
fixture located within said annular shaped image sheet so that the
image is viewable from outside of the annular shaped image
sheet.
Before assuming its closed annular shape, the image sheet is a
flat, flexible and transparent or translucent member with an image
reproduced on a surface thereof.
The support frame and the hub can have integrally formed separate
spaced leg attachments, for attaching legs.
These leg attachments may include slots in the hub along outer
edges thereof and in the frame for releasable engaging the
supporting legs from each attachment slot.
The hub has a central opening for receiving a light socket fixture,
and a slot extending out from the central opening to allow for the
wire of an assembled cord set to be inserted into the hub. The
lighting element of the lighting fixture is enclosed within the
confines of the closed shape image sheet, whereby the image is
viewed from outside of the display unit.
In one embodiment the supporting legs are V-shaped and face
downwardly to form a support for the display unit on a table top
surface with the image sheet and lighting fixture extending
upwardly.
In an alternate embodiment, the supporting legs and hub form a
support for the display unit suspended from a wall bracket or
ceiling forming a pendant with the supporting legs, image sheet and
lighting fixture extending downwardly, so that the supporting legs
are not extending above the support frame.
While it is theoretically possible to support and retain the image
sheet with a single frame with fasteners, preferably the display
unit has a second frame at the opposite end of the image sheet
forming top and bottom frames holding the image sheet
therebetween.
The image sheet will then have an annular shape determined by the
frames to which it is attached.
The present invention also entails a method of assembling a
transparent or translucent art sheet for display of an image formed
on a surface thereof, including the steps of:
A) Rolling a rectangular shaped image sheet into a cylindrical
configuration, with end edges overlapping and secured with an
adhesive strip or otherwise secured;
B) Inserting an open end of the rolled image sheet into an annular
supporting frame, with the supporting frame preferably having an
L-shaped or U-shaped crossection with bottom and side adjacent
surfaces along the inside of the L-shaped or U-shaped crossection
of the frame and optionally having a slot formed in the rim member
with the image sheet being held directly against the adjacent
surface of the frame with an edge thereof abutting against the side
adjacent surface;
C) Inserting fasteners into the frame, such as a frame insert
within a slot, each frame insert having a center leg pressing the
image sheet against the frame surface, to retain the image sheet
secure in the frame, with each respective frame insert having
separate and resilient spaced end legs, off opposite sides of the
center leg, with a tooth on outer edges thereof, to engage end
edges of each respective slot to retain the insert within the slot,
with the center leg engaging the image sheet holding said image
sheet in place on the frame;
D) Mounting a light source on the support frame and extending into
a space formed within said image sheet for lighting the image sheet
from within, for displaying the image on the image sheet;
E) The image sheet being held securely for display without the use
of any attachment device damaging the image sheet; and
F) Releasing the image sheet, by releasing the fastener, such as by
pressing the end legs of each respective fastener inwardly toward
the center leg, to disengage the fastener from the frame member and
allow withdrawal of the fastener from the slot thereby releasing
the image sheet free of any damage.
The method further includes providing the support frame with a
central hub for mounting of said the electrical light source.
Supporting legs are provided for connecting the hub to the support
frame. The supporting legs are shaped to act as legs to support the
IDU on a table top surface with the image sheet extending upwardly
from said support frame and the hub and supporting legs inside the
image sheet, with the light source extending above the hub within
the image sheet.
Alternatively, the supporting legs are provided for connecting the
hub to the support frame with the supporting legs used to suspend
the IDU as a pendant from a ceiling fixture or wall bracket, with
the image sheet extending down from said support frame, and the hub
and supporting legs inside the image sheet, with the light source
extending down below the support frame within the image sheet.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention can best be understood in connection with the
accompanying drawings. It is noted that the invention is not
limited to the precise embodiments shown in drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an assembled IDU in use on a table
top.
FIG. 1A is a perspective view of an assembled IDU with a pedestal
using a second support frame at the base in use on a table top.
FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an assembled IDU with a base using
a modified base in use on a table top.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an assembled IDU suspended by a
pulley cord.
FIGS. 3A and 3B are top plan views of the two part frame set
showing the plain frame as well as the support frame if molded in
one piece, incorporating, in this case, 4 legs.
FIG. 4 is a crossection detail of the image sheet support surface
of each frame member showing the edge of the image sheet abutting a
layer of two sided attachment tape.
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the pre-wired electrical assembly that is
part of the IDU kit. (In the case illustrated this is for a table
top unit and incorporates a dimmer. Alternative electrical kits
will be available, including an electric assembly with a pulley
cord for pendant units.)
FIG. 5A is a plan view of an alternative electrical assembly for a
table top unit with a pedestal that will use a second support frame
as a base.
FIG. 5B is a plan view of an alternative electrical assembly for a
table top unit with a pedestal using a modified base.
FIG. 6 is a side view crossection of an assembled table top IDU
taken along the major diameter of an oval shape.
FIG. 6A is a side view crossection of an assembled table top IDU of
an alternate embodiment using a frame with a slot to engage the
image sheet edge.
FIG. 6B is a side crossection detail of a modified edge shown in
FIG. 6A.
FIG. 6C is a side view crossection of an assembled table top IDU
with a pedestal using a second support frame member as a base.
FIG. 6D is a side view crossection of an assembled table top IDU
with a pedestal using a modified base.
FIG. 7 is a perspective schematic view showing a continuous portion
of image sheet material merging from a printer with a variety of
images printed on image sheet sections (prior to cutting apart for
each IDU).
FIG. 8 is a flow chart describing the assembly of an IDU formed
with a one piece support frame and a plain frame.
FIG. 9 is a flow chart of the initial order set-up supporting a new
museum exhibit.
FIG. 9A is a block diagram reflecting the hardware and network
entities involved in implementing the flow chart of FIG. 9.
FIG. 10 is a flow chart depicting the various customer fulfillment
options at a museum gift shop.
FIG. 11 is a schematic top view of four different designs of IDU
shapes each in which will have the same circumference for use with
the same width image sheet.
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the separate parts of a frame kit
of one type of alternate embodiment, in this case with four legs
and a hub with two sets of four attachment lugs to accommodate
frames with two different radii, such as, for example, an ellipse
as compared to a circular rim frame. In this case, either of the
rim frames may be used for the support frame since both incorporate
attachment lugs.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an assembled support frame using
parts from the frame kit of FIG. 12.
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a single leg from the frame kit
using parts from the frame kit of FIG. 12.
FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the socket support hub of this
alternate embodiment, using parts from the frame kit of FIG.
12.
FIG. 16 is a crossectional view of the support hub of FIG. 15, when
viewed along crossectional line "16-16" of FIG. 15 using parts from
the frame kit of FIG. 12.
FIG. 17 is a side view in partial crossectional showing the
attachment of a leg with a frame on one end and the socket support
hub at the opposite end using parts from the frame kit of FIG.
12.
FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the parts of FIG. 17 from another
viewpoint using parts from the frame kit of FIG. 12.
FIG. 19 is a perspective close-up detail view of a leg-end, showing
the tapered dovetail attachment slot.
FIG. 20 is a flow chart of the assembly of an illuminated display
unit (IDU), including alternate embodiments with a multi-part
support rim/frame with a plurality of attachable legs.
FIG. 21 is a side elevation of a hanging illuminated display unit
(IDU) with legs pointing down and positioned between support and
plain frame.
FIG. 22 is a side elevation of a pedestal supported illuminated
display unit (IDU) with legs pointing upward and positioned between
support and plain frame.
FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the separate parts of a further
alternative frame kit with three legs.
FIG. 23A is a perspective view of the separate parts of another
further alternative frame kit with an equivalent set of three legs
with an alternate end coupling.
FIG. 23B is a perspective close-up detail view of the end coupling
of one of the equivalent fame legs of FIG. 23A, as viewed within
dashed circle line "23B" of FIG. 23A.
FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an assembled support frame using
parts from the frame kit of FIG. 23 or 23A.
FIG. 25 depicts a leg using the system or attachment of FIG. 23 and
configured in an asymmetrical V.
FIG. 25A depicts a leg using the alternate system of attachment of
FIG. 23A.
FIG. 26 is a top plan view of a socket support hub of the
embodiment in FIG. 23 or 23A.
FIG. 27 is a top plan view of the leg attachment slot on two
alternative frame shapes for this embodiment.
FIG. 28 is a perspective view of one of the support frame with
projections with slots for the attachment of legs and triangular
socket support hub of a further embodiment of an IDU of this
invention.
FIG. 29 is a perspective view of one of three identical legs of the
further alternate embodiment.
FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the basic design of a frame insert
of this embodiment.
FIG. 30A is a perspective view of an alternate design of a frame
rim insert of this embodiment.
FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the plain frame rim of this
embodiment with slots for inserts but without projections for leg
attachment.
FIG. 32 is a perspective detail showing a frame insert FIG. 30
inserted into one of four horizontal slots in a frame member.
FIGS. 33A-33E show the steps of assembling an image sheet into a
cylinder shape prior to attachment to a frame for either a table
top or pendant IDU, wherein:
FIG. 33A is a perspective view of a box containing a rolled up
image sheet.
FIG. 33B is a perspective view of an image sheet unrolled with the
release strip being pulled off one side of the two-sided tape
attached to the edge of the image sheet.
FIG. 33C is a perspective view of the step of attaching the free
ends of the image sheet after removing the release strip.
FIG. 33CC is a perspective enlarged detail of FIG. 33C to
illustrate the accurate adhesion of the image sheet cylinder along
the overlap.
FIG. 33D is a perspective view of an image sheet cylinder lying
horizontally after assembly.
FIG. 33DD is an edge elevation detail of the overlapped seam of
FIG. 33D showing directions of pressure required to permanently
adhere the seam.
FIG. 33E is a perspective view of a vertically oriented completed
image sheet cylinder.
FIGS. 34A-34D illustrate the steps of assembling the support frame
of a table top IDU, wherein:
FIG. 34A is a perspective view of a box containing the frame
members of an IDU.
FIG. 34B is a perspective view illustrating the step of inserting
the three legs into the triangular socket support hub. The legs
marked O are inserted into the socket support hub slots marked
O.
FIG. 34C is a perspective view showing the step of attaching legs
and hub to the support frame. The leg ends marked X are inserted
into the rim slots marked X.
FIG. 34CC is a crossectional detail of the edge of the support
frame showing the orientation of perimeter slot if assembled for
the tabletop model IDU.
FIG. 34D is a perspective view of an assembled support frame.
FIG. 34E is a crossectional detail of the edge of the support frame
showing the orientation of the perimeter slot if assembled for a
pendant model IDU.
FIG. 35A-35F illustrate the steps of attaching the electrical
components to the assembled support frame for a table top IDU and
for a pendant IDU, wherein:
FIG. 35A is a side elevation of lamp socket with threaded nipple
and a retaining nut on electrical wire.
FIG. 35B is a perspective detail showing insertion of electrical
wire through a side slot into center hole of triangular socket
support hub.
FIG. 35C is a perspective detail showing setting the nipple on the
socket into hole in socket support hub.
FIG. 35D is a perspective detail showing nut dangling wire under
socket support hub.
FIG. 35E is a side elevation detail showing nut engaging socket
nipple to attach socket to socket support hub.
FIG. 35F is a side elevation in partial crossection showing support
frame with socket attached and orientation of frame slot and socket
for a tabletop IDU.
FIG. 35G shows side elevation details of socket and rim slot as
used in a pendant IDU with orientation opposite to that of FIG.
35F.
FIGS. 36A-36I illustrate the assembly steps to complete the
assembly of a table top IDU by attaching the image sheet cylinder
to the assembled frame members, wherein:
FIG. 36A is a perspective view of orientating the plain frame atop
the image sheet cylinder.
FIG. 36B is a perspective view of the completion of action of
35A.
FIG. 36C is a perspective view illustrating insertion of four frame
inserts to retain the image sheet in the slot in the plain
frame.
FIG. 36CC is a perspective detail of a rim insert inserted in a
horizontal frame slot.
FIG. 36D is a perspective view illustrating inverting an image
sheet with the plain frame attached.
FIG. 36E is a perspective view showing support frame oriented atop
open end of the formed image sheet.
FIG. 36F is a perspective view showing the completion of the action
of 36E.
FIG. 36G is a perspective view illustrating insertion of four frame
inserts to retain the image sheet in the support frame.
FIG. 36GG is a perspective detail of one rim insert inserted
through one horizontal rim slot.
FIG. 36H is a perspective view illustrating inversion of assembled
tabletop IDU so that legs can rest on a horizontal surface.
FIG. 36I is a perspective view showing addition of a lamp to the
complete IDU.
FIG. 37A-37H illustrate the final assembly of a pendant IDU of this
further alternate embodiment, wherein:
FIG. 37A is a perspective view of orienting the plain frame atop
the image sheet cylinder.
FIG. 37B is a perspective view of the completion of action of
37A.
FIG. 37C is a perspective view illustrating insertion of four frame
inserts to retain the image sheet in the slot in the plain
frame.
FIG. 37CC is a perspective detail of a frame insert inserted
through one horizontal frame slot.
FIG. 37D is a perspective view illustrating inversion of image
sheet with plain frame attached.
FIG. 37E is a perspective view showing support frame oriented atop
open end of the formed image sheet.
FIG. 37F is a perspective view showing the completion of the action
of 37E.
FIG. 37G is a perspective view illustrating insertion of four frame
inserts to retain image sheet in the support frame.
FIG. 37GG is a perspective detail of one frame insert inserted
though one horizontal rim slot.
FIG. 37H is a perspective view illustrating adding a lamp to the
complete pendant IDU.
FIG. 38 is a flow chart of the order set-up for a new or previously
ordered museum image for use with this further alternate
embodiment.
FIG. 39 is a block diagram reflecting the hardware and network
entities in implementing the flow chart of FIG. 38.
FIG. 40 is a flow chart depicting the customer fulfillment options
at a museum gift shop for this further alternate embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention has broad applications to many fields for a
variety of IDU's. For illustrative purposes only, a preferred mode
for carrying out the invention is described herein.
FIG. 1 shows a table top 9 on which illuminated display unit (IDU)
1 with image sheet 3 displaying image 2 rests. Image sheet 3 is
contained and shaped between a support frame 4 at the bottom edge
incorporating support legs facing down and a plain frame 5 at top
edge. A small overlap 6 of the free ends is at the rear of the
display unit. Electrical control (switch or switch/dimmer) 8 is
shown on electrical line 7.
FIG. 1A is a similar image of the same IDU 1 but with a pedestal
tube and second support frame added at the base, wherein the
support legs extend upward within the region surrounded by image
sheet 3 of the illuminated display unit (IDU) 1.
FIG. 1B is a similar image of the same IDU 1 but with a pedestal
tube and with a modified base, also wherein the support legs extend
upward within the region surrounded by image sheet 3 of the
illuminated display unit (IDU) 1.
FIG. 2 is a similar image of the same IDU 1 configured for hanging
from pulley cord 10 with support legs at the top.
FIGS. 3A and 3B show the two frame parts. In this illustration the
plain frame 5 is an oval shape. The support frame 4 is also oval
but incorporates four legs (drawn flat) 14 leading at the center to
a hub, such as a lamp socket support hub 12 with a central hole for
the socket nipple 17 and a side slot for electric wire insertion
18.
Each of the image sheet support edges of the frames in this
illustration have a preferably L-shaped crossection (see FIG. 4)
which supports a top or bottom edge of image sheet 3. These
supports also have a layer of tape attached with a release liner
15. The release liner can be removed prior to assembly to expose an
adhesive layer for permanent attachment of the image sheet to the
frame. This is optional for the table top unit where gravity holds
the image sheet tot eh support frame 4 and to the plain frame 5.
For the hanging configuration where gravity tends to pull the three
sections apart, the adhesive layer 15 must be exposed and used.
FIG. 5 shows a pre-wired electrical cord set for the table top
model 20 consisting of lamp socket 21 with pre-attached short
threaded nipple 22, nut 23, control 8, extension cord 7, and wall
plug 25. Line cord 7 fits through slot 18 on socket support hub 12
which then permits short threaded nipple 22 to fit through the
center hole 17 for attachment of the lamp socket even though the
entire electrical set is pre-wired.
FIG. 5A shows a pre-wired electrical set for the pedestal model 20
consisting of lamp socket 21 with pre-attached short threaded
nipple 22, tube with internal threads to fit nipples at both ends
21, with pre-attached short threaded nipple at the end opposite the
lamp socket 22, nut 23, control 1, extension cord 7, and wall plug
25. Line cord 7 fits through slot 18 on socket support hub 12 which
then permits short threaded nipple 22 to fit through the center
hole 17 for attachment even though the entire electrical set is
pre-wired.
FIG. 5B shows the same electrical set as 5A but with a modified
base unit 36 on line cord 7.
FIG. 6 shows how the various parts fit together for the table top
model; bulb 7 (or optional CFL) is not part of the electrical kit
because of fragility concerns. Note that legs 14 on support frame 4
angle down to create integral legs. The preferred fabrication of
both frame parts is injection molding using a glass filled
polycarbonate resin. In this illustration the support frame 4 would
be formed as a single piece.
FIG. 6A shows an alternate embodiment of an illuminated table top
model display unit (IDU) using another design of a support edge
with an outer support lip added on plain frame 35 and support frame
34. The detail of FIG. 6B shows how such an edge engages art sheet
3 at top edge. Note that double-sided tape with release liner 36A
may be attached to art sheet 3 or to the frame edge is in either
design. Frame edge material thickness T is nominally EDM 3/32''
with other dimensions relatively scaled.
FIG. 6C shows a pedestal model illuminated display unit (IDU) which
provides a pedestal between the image display unit and table top.
This shows how the pedestal tube internally threaded at both ends
24 screws on to the short threaded nipple 22 an the lamp socket 21
and at the other end on to a second short nipple 22 which is
inserted into center hub 12 on a second support frame 34, and held
in place by nut 23. Legs 14 are shown extending upward within the
region surrounded by image sheet 3 and on the bottom frame which
would be possible if also made, with the legs thus oriented or if
the support frame parts are provided separately for customer
assembly as described on a later page herein concerning FIGS.
12-27.
FIG. 6D shows the modified base 36 illustrated in FIG. 1A, which
assembles in same manner as the parts in FIGS. 6C but must be
provided pre-threaded on the electric wire as part of the electric
kit because it does not have the unique slot provided for wire
insertion that is on the support frame 34. Legs 14 are shown
optionally extending upward within the region surrounded by image
sheet. Electric cord 7 preferably exits out through a hole in base
36.
FIG. 7 shows a printer, such as a wide format printer 30, spewing
out a long sheet of image sheet material which will be sliced at
dashed lines 31 to form individual strips (all of the same
circumference length as the width of the image sheet material but
cut in various lengths "W") which will become image sheets 3
displaying images "AW" after cutting into separate units. Note the
heights of the different image sheets ("W") varies with the
particular AW being printed since they are determined by the
programmed instructions to the printer and are therefore infinitely
variable. However, any printer capable of printing an image upon a
flexible translucent or transparent such as a sheet of plastic,
laminated textile or art paper may be used, wherein one or more
images and lettering may be printed on the flexible sheet.
The IDU assembly flow chart of FIG. 8 is largely self-explanatory.
Note that the orientation of the art to the support frame is
different depending on whether a table top, pedestal or hanging
version of IDU 1 is being assembled; this can be easily seen in
FIGS. 1 and 2. Although permanent or temporary assembly is an
option for a table top unit, the hanging version must be bonded
together with the tape around the edge of the frame sections.
Temporary assembly of the table top unit permits using the same
frame kit serially for a variety of art sheet displays.
The process for the initial and subsequent order set-up with a
museum gift shop was described in words in the summary section.
FIG. 9 shows this process in flow chart form. This shows the
optional methods of performing the formatting of the museum Image
to create and Image Unit file of formatted digitized images that
actually drives the printer to print out image sheets. The accurate
pricing of each image sheet can only be performed after this
step.
The flow chart of FIG. 9A clearly illustrates the computer hardware
and network entities involved in actually implementing the order
process. The box labeled "Company" in FIG. 9A includes a computer
system including a central processing unit (CPU) or microprocessor
facilitating communications enabled by a server through the
internet between the company and three different museum gift shops
is shown. Museums A and B are involved in initial order set-up, but
Museum A lets the company edit their exhibit image file while
Museum B edits their, own exhibit image file to an IAU file using
software provided by the company. In both cases, IAU pricing is
provided by the company. Museum C sends a drop shop order to the
company for a customer named "Smith". Both IDU kits as well as
fully assembled IDU's with attached image sheets can be shipped
out. The company keeps up with the museum interacting with its
computer and microprocessor throughout the internet. Field
representatives or company sales persons (as represented by
"laptops" SP-A and SP-B) can also be used to send in orders
resulting from museum gift shop visits or other communications.
FIG. 9A also indicates how the company with its computer CPU or
microprocessor creates the image sheets on printer 30 and produces
kits from an internal production line (as shown). Electric/frame
kits and image sheets, or fully assembled IDU's, are shipped by a
common carrier to the museum shops or to specific "drop ship"
museum customers.
The different customer order fulfillment options discussed above in
the summary are detailed in the flow chart of FIG. 10.
Although the main objective of this invention is to create an
efficient method of displaying images that may be purchased at a
museum shop, many other uses for an IDU unrelated to museums art
exist. One is a direct internet to customer marketing method
whereby the images (which may, for instance, consist of family or
travel snapshots) is provided by the customer for creating an image
sheet. Another possibility is advertising use of IDU's such as
displays promoting a certain brand of beer at a tavern. Another is
images depicting local tourist attractions for sale in souvenir
shops. The oval format described may not be optimal for all
applications. It is possible to use the identical manufacturing
steps to create IDU's of any annular crossection by using frames
that have alternate peripheral shapes.
While intended use is to illuminate the translucent image sheet,
under ambient light the image sheet still displays the image
thereon.
FIG. 11 schematically shows four examples of alternative top
outline views of an IDU. They are drawn at the same scale to show
the relative feature size for a constant circumference. The circle
and extended circle shapes would be easily produced, while the
sharp corners of the square and hexagonal shapes would be somewhat
rounded in practice to prevent creasing of the image sheet and is
applicable to any shaped polygon, such as hexagonal or pentagonal,
etc.
The parts comprising a frame kit of an illuminated display unit
(IDU) of an alternate embodiment are shown in FIG. 12. Two plain
frames 104 with image sheet alignment marks on the outside 138, and
leg attachments lugs 137 in the inside, a plurality of legs, such
as, for example, four legs 114, with a coupling at each end, such
as, for example, four legs 114, with a coupling at each end, such
as, for example, a tapered dovetail coupling slot feature 136 at
each end, and a lamp socket support hub 112 are included. For this
example cooperative couplings, such as, for example, protruding
lugs 137, are located on the inside of each plain frame 104 and on
the outer surfaces of socket support hub 112, and the lugs 137 fit
into the couplings in this example tapered slots at the leg ends
136. It is further noted that other configurations for the hub may
be pro tided, so long as it is capable of holding the light source
within the confines of the formed images sheet held in place by the
support frame and the plain frame, wherein further the hub is
connected to the support frame by a plurality of legs or
spokes.
FIG. 13 shows such an assembled support frame with the legs 114
down. Note that the inner lugs 137 on hub 112 are used; a different
shape or circumferential size of frame may require the use of the
outer lugs 137 on hub 112.
FIG. 14 provides a clear view of a single, preferably V-shaped leg
114 with preferably slotted leg ends 136. In this case the V is
asymmetrical.
FIGS. 15 and 16 show details of lamp socket support hub 112
including lugs 137 and electrical wire access slot 140. That is one
of the parts illustrated in FIG. 12.
FIGS. 17-19 show details of an attachment system for the parts
illustrated in FIG. 12 for the couplings associated with legs 114.
For example, FIG. 17 is a side view showing the fit of couplings
such as lugs 137 within cooperative couplings, such as tapered
slots, in ends 136. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a similar
attachment. FIG. 19 shows an enlarged leg end 136. The tapered
dovetail slot (note width "w1" greater than width "w2") is shown
clearly. Tapered dovetail lugs 137 are sized so that they will
engage the inner walls of the slot in 136 at the mid slot position
to lock the two members together.
The flow chart of IDU assembly of FIG. 20 contrasts the assembly of
the previous embodiment with the one-piece molded support frame
shown in FIGS. 1-11 with that of the unassembled frame kit of the
alternate embodiment of FIGS. 12-26. The entire difference in
procedure involves the removal of the kit parts from the box and
the assembly of the support frame by connecting each leg to the rim
of a plain frame and to the lamp socket support while being aware
of the desired configuration. From there on, the procedure is
substantially identical to that of the previous embodiment,
including the production of FIG. 7 as well as the assembly and
organizational computerized flow charts of FIGS. 9, 9A and 10 and
the schematic view of possible shapes shown in FIG. 11.
FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate illuminated display unit (IDU)
configurations that are not possible with the original one-piece
molded support frame. A tabletop configuration using the support
frame kit of this embodiment would be configured as in the original
embodiment (support frame faces up with legs down); in fact FIG. 2
from the original embodiment is a good representation of it.
In FIG. 21, hanging illuminated display unit (IDU) 140 is
configured such that support frame 141 is assembled with the
support groove for image sheet 3 on member 104 facing down, as are
legs 114. Plain frame 141 is simply a member 104 with the groove
for image sheet 3 facing upward. Note that legs 114 now reside
between support frame 141 and plain frame 142. This orientation is
not possible with the original one-piece support frame which
included the legs pointing in the opposite direction. Legs, socket
support hub and lamp are shown in dashed lines as obscured by image
sheet 3.
FIG. 22 illustrates a pedestal lamp 150 where support frame 151 is
assembled from a member 104 facing upward and legs 114 also
pointing upward. Plain frame 152 is a member 104 facing downward.
Again here it can be observed that legs are positioned between
plain and support frames (see dashed lines). Base 153 is assembled
from a member 104 facing down and legs 114 facing up with a socket
support hub in the center. Alternatively, a modified base 136 can
be used (as shown in FIG. 6D).
In yet, another embodiment shown in FIGS. 23 and 27, there are
preferably three legs 1114 provided, and the attachment system of
the legs 1114 to the hub 1104 and to the rim frame 1104 is changed
to a tongue and slot system.
FIG. 23 shows the parts comprising of a frame kit of an illuminated
display unit, (IDU) of this alternate embodiment. This embodiment
includes one frame 1105 which does not have any provision for
attachment of legs 1114 and another frame 1104 with such attachment
provisions. The kit constitutes the two frames with sheet align
marks on the outside 1138 and leg attachment slots 1139 on the
inside, three legs 1114 with a coupling tongue at each end and a
lamp socket support hub 1112 with slots for leg attachment of leg
1114.
FIG. 23A shows the parts comprising of a frame kit of an
illuminated display unit (IDU) of a further alternative embodiment
with equivalent component coupling parts. This embodiment includes
one frame 1105' which does not have any provision for attachment of
legs 1114' and another frame 1104'' with such attachment
provisions. The kit constitutes the two frames with sheet align
marks on the outside 1138' and leg attachments slots 1139' on the
inside three legs 1114' with a coupling tongue at each end and a
lamp socket support disc 1112' with slots for leg attachment of leg
1114'.
FIG. 23B shows the end coupling of one of the equivalent frame legs
1114' of FIG. 23A, as viewed within dashed circle line "23B" of
FIG. 23A.
FIGS. 24 and 24A shows the assembled support frame 1104 with legs
1114 and lamp socket support hub 1112 attached.
FIGS. 25 and 25A shows one of the legs 1114 of FIG. 23 and FIG. 23A
respectively. The leg is an asymmetrical "V-shape" to enable the
support of the unit to be spread farther apart and the system for
attachment for the leg 1114 to the lamp support hub 1112 and to the
frame 1104. The attachment details are shown clearly in this
figure. Each leg 1114 has two attachment extensions 1140 at an
angle to the angled leg portions 1142 and 1143 of each leg 1114.
Extensions 1140 are angled vertically for insertion into and
through slots or holes, such as for example, rectangular
holes/slots 1139 in support frame 1104 and lamp support hub 1112.
As the extensions 1140 are pushed in toward the step region, molded
cantilevered tongues 1141 are compressed until they again snap out
locking extensions in slots or holes, such as for example,
rectangular slots/holes 1139. The "V" shape of legs 1114 is
preferably asymmetric to place the vertex closer to the rim (X1)
than to the lamp support hub 1112 at the center (X2) affording
better stability. Tongue 1140 has a cantilevered tip which is
spring loaded, so that it compresses as tongue 1140 is inserted
into leg attachment slot/hole 1139 and decompresses outward when
through the slot/hole 1139, thereby locking leg 1114 in place in
respective slots/holes 1139 in frame 1104 at one end and in lamp
support hub 1112 at the other end.
FIG. 26 shows details of the lamp socket support hub 1112 including
leg attachment slots/holes 1139 for legs of FIG. 23 or FIG. 23A and
electrical wire access slot 1118.
FIG. 27 shows examples of the leg attachment slots 1139 configured
for a circular rim frame 1104 and an elliptical rim frame 1104. The
slot on the circular rim frame 1104 is positioned a distance inside
the rim frame 1104 to illustrate provisions to accommodate a leg of
one size to fit frames with a different radial difference from the
hub lamp support hub 1112 to the rim/frame 1104.
In a further alternate embodiment, the frame of the illuminate
display unit (IDU is comprised of multiple component parts, and the
image sheet may be printed on a coated art paper designed for
inkjet printing. The image sheet is retained in a non-permanent
method using frame inserts in the support and plain frame
members.
FIG. 28 shows an assembled support frame of this embodiment 2000
having integrally molded attachments 2001, 2002, and 2003 with
slots (marked X) at each respective slot attachment to accept one
end (marked X) at one end of each respective leg member for
insertion of three identical leg members 2010. The distal end
(marked O) of each of the legs is inserted into a rectangular slot
(marked O) of each respective slot of the central hub 2020 in the
triangular socket support hub 2020 which completes the assembly.
Note that the three leg attachments (2001, 2002, and 2003) are
asymmetric but the locations of their attachment points around an
oval rim 2000 conspire to place triangular hub 2020 in the center.
Hub 2020 will accept attachment of a lamp socket with a threaded
nipple at hole 2023 and permit entry of electrical cord through
slot 2024. Integral molded horizontal rim slots 2004 are used for
the frame inserts retaining the image sheet. The rim slots 2004 are
located within lugs projecting above the inner rim of the support
frame 2000, which, together with the lugs 2064, also projecting
above the inner rim of the support frame 2000 and located at both
ends of the major axis of the frame 2000, facilitate the insertion
of the image sheet 2052 into the circumferential rim slots within
support frame 2000 and plain frame 2040.
FIG. 29 shows one of three legs 2010 with frame engaging end 2011
(marked X) and hub engaging end 2012 (marked O).
FIG. 30 shows one of the frame inserts 2030 that are inserted
through horizontal slots 2004 in both the support frame 2000 and
the plain frame 2040 to retain the image sheet by impingement with
central member end 2032. FIG. 31 shows an outer perspective view of
the plain frame rim 2040 of this embodiment with slots 2004 for
inserts 2030 but without projection attachments 2001, 2002, and
2003 for leg attachment that are shown in FIG. 28. As shown in FIG.
32, wing members 2031 compress on insertion then snap back, thereby
locking into slots 2004 to hold the insert in position pressing the
image sheet 2052 against the outer rim slot surface of the outer
circumferential rim slot 2063 of outer circumferential frame
portion 2061 of frame 2000. Inserts 2030 may be made of an
elastomeric resin with high durometer. Materials such as
polyurethane and silicone exhibit the desirable features discussed.
Note the serrated end 2032 which (enhances grip on the surface of
image sheet 2052. Perspective view detail FIG. 32 also shows the
resilient frame insert 2030 inserted in a horizontal slot 2004 edge
of rim 2000. A crossectional detail view of the outer
circumferential frame portion 2061 with rim slot 2063 in a region
away from a slot 2004 is shown at FIGS. 34CC and 34E. The image
sheet 2052 edge is pressed between end 2032 of a resilient insert
2030 and the long outer wall of recess slot 2063 as shown in FIGS.
32, 34CC and 34E. The location of the region in which the image
sheet 2052 is located in FIGS. 30A and 32 is indicated by arrows
identified as reference numeral 2052', but because these views in
FIGS. 30A and 32 are not cross sections, the actual image sheet
2052 is not illustrated.
FIG. 30A shows an alternate design for the frame insert 2030
inserted into a horizontal frame slot 2004.
The assembly details for the image sheet for either a table top or
a pendant type IDU, taking an image sheet 2052 from package box A
2050 through forming it into a cylinder for frame attachment using
adhesive strip 2053 to attach the free edges, is shown is the
sequence of drawings of FIGS. 33A-33E. The comments in the brief
descriptions of the drawings are sufficient to follow the
steps.
The assembly details of the support frame for a table top IDU from
package box B 2060 through completion are shown in the steps of
FIGS. 34A-34D. Note that detail 34CC shows the crossection 2062 of
rim 2000 with the rim slot 2063 facing down. The same assembly
steps but with an inverted rim 2000 as shown in detail of FIG. 34E
would be used for assembly of a support frame for a pendant
IDU.
The attachment of the bulb socket, which is part of the electrical
subassembly, to the hub of the support frame for a table top IDU is
illustrated in FIGS. 35A (showing bulb socket 21, with threaded
nipple attached 22 and nut 23 threaded onto the electric cable)
through the completed attachment of FIG. 35F. FIG. 35B shows the
slot in the hub which enables the electric cord of a fully
assembled cord set to be inserted in the hub 2020. The details are
explained in the brief description of this figure sequence. The
detail of FIG. 35G shows the different orientation of the bulb
socket 21 as well as the rim slot 2063 for the assembly sequence
for a pendant IDU.
The attachment of the image sheet to the frame for a table top IDU
is detailed in the sequence of FIGS. 36A-36I. In reviewing these
figures, note that image sheet 2052 orientation as depicted by the
human form. FIGS. 36D and 36H show the details for the next
assembly sequence. Details of each illustration can be gleaned from
the components in the brief descriptions of the drawings. This
sequence ends in the completed table top IDU.
A similar sequence of FIGS. 37A-37H details of the same parts
assembled for a pendant IDU.
In this further alternate embodiment, the order set-up flow chart
of FIG. 9 for previous embodiments is modified at FIG. 38 to
reflect changes incorporating an enhanced company web site. One
change is that the museum (or the institution or business or
individual customer) can format their art directly on the company
website as this now has the required software to make this
possible. These changes streamline the communications and save
time.
While the block diagram of FIG. 39 is similar to that of FIG. 9A of
earlier embodiments, FIG. 39 shows the actual communicating pairs
through the Internet for IAU pricing and image file setup. The
customer fulfillment flow chart of FIG. 10 for previous embodiment
has been simplified at FIG. 40 for this further alternate
embodiment to eliminate the drop ship request option to the
company.
While the foregoing illustrations depict a light source including a
lamp with an AC socket and electrical cord connected to an AC power
source, it is known that other light sources could be utilized,
such as light emitting diode lamps, or DC powered lamps with DC
power sources, such as batteries or other low voltage power
sources.
In the foregoing description, certain terms and visual depictions
are used to illustrate the preferred embodiment. However, no
unnecessary limitations are to be construed by the terms used or
illustrations depicted, beyond what is shown in the prior image,
since the terms and illustrations are exemplary only a, and are not
meant to limit the scope of the present invention.
It is further known that other modifications may be made to the
present invention, without departing the scope of the invention, as
noted in the appended Claims.
* * * * *
References